Top 10 Major League Soccer Stadiums
Top 10 Major League Soccer Stadiums
Soccer may not be the biggest sport within the United States, but does this really mean anything when it comes to the architecture of a stadium? The USA(MLS) is home to some of the most beautiful stadiums in the world.
The MLS is home to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium which has a capacity of 71,000, and while being the biggest stadium in the MLS, Atlanta United share this stadium with the NFL team Atlanta Falcons, a similar story for New York City FC who share their Yankee’s Stadium with the MLB team New York Yankees.
Over the last decade there has been a rise in Major League Soccer teams building their own soccer-specific stadiums. A lot of these modern venues such as LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium and Minnesota United’s Allianz Field are now amongst some of the best stadiums in the country.
Below I have ranked the Major League Soccer(MLS) stadium based on the design, capacity, atmosphere and location.
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10. Subaru Park
- Location: Chester, Pennsylvania
- Team: Philadelphia Union
- Capacity: 18,500
When it comes down to the capacity of a stadium, Subaru Park is one of the smallest Major League Soccer(MLS) stadiums.
Located on the banks of the Delaware River, fans are treated to a waterside view of the Commodore Barry Bridge. In recent times, Philadelphia supporters have also been treated to plenty of memorable on-field moments, with the U clinching the Supporters’ Shield in 2020.
The stadium even has a 2,000-seat area designated specifically for the Sons of Ben – the Union’s loyal supporters’ group.
Subaru Park is also famous for hosting Rugby Union matches, with the Collegiate Rugby Championship coming to Chester every year. But when the venue is packed with soccer fans, it is undoubtedly one of the best stadiums in MLS.
9. Earthquakes Stadium – Paypal Park
- Location: San Jose, California
- Team: San Jose Earthquakes
- Capacity: 18,000
After they entered MLS as one of the charter clubs of the league back in 1996, the Earthquakes never really had a stadium to call home.
The team played games at multi-purpose venues like Spartan Stadium and Buck Shaw Stadium for the best part of two decades. But in 2015, the Quakes finally moved into their own stadium.
When it opened its gates, Earthquakes Stadium – formerly Avaya Stadium – instantly became one of the best venues to enjoy a Major League Soccer match. Unlike many other MLS stadiums, San Jose’s ground is soccer-specific, making it one of the most atmospheric venues in the league.
8. Red Bull Arena
- Location: Harrison, New Jersey
- Team: New York Red Bulls
- Capacity: 25,000
Ever since Red Bull Arena opened in 2010, it has been a key destination for American soccer.
Not only has it seen the New York Red Bulls become one of the most successful teams in MLS, but its first-class facilities have also seen the USMNT play numerous matches in Harrison, with CONCACAF Gold Cup games and World Cup qualifiers being staged at the venue.
The stadium’s bowl-shaped structure easily makes it one of the most eye-catching MLS arenas from the outside, while its internal facilities are among the best in the country, never mind the league.
However, the arena’s undesirable location prevents it from ranking higher on the list of the top stadiums in Major League Soccer. Surrounded by parking lots and warehouses, Red Bull Arena isn’t exactly well situated.
7. Lumen Field
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Team: Seattle Sounders
- Capacity: 69,000
Lumen Field – formerly CenturyLink Field – was built for the Seattle Seahawks, giving it the feel of an NFL stadium. But while many MLS teams have traditionally struggled in multi-purpose venues, the Sounders have been able to transform their home ground into a fortress.
Between 2012 and 2019, the Sounders boasted the highest average attendance in Major League Soccer, attracting over 40,000 fans to their games for eight consecutive seasons.
Of course, the pandemic skewed attendance figures for the 2020 campaign. But Lumen Field’s 69,000 capacity has enabled Seattle to become one of the league’s best-supported teams in recent years.
Ultimately, there are very few MLS stadiums that can rival the atmosphere produced by ECS – Emerald City Supporters – on matchday.
Many believe that the Washington club would be better suited to a soccer-specific stadium. But having won two MLS Cups, one Supporters’ Shield, and four Open Cups since 2009, the Sounders clearly feel right at home at Lumen Field.
6. Allianz Field
- Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Team: Minnesota United
- Capacity: 19,400
It is often the smaller stadiums that generate the best atmospheres – and Minnesota United can certainly vouch for that.
The Loons entered Major League Soccer back in 2017, accompanied by a passionate and vibrant fan base. The team had to wait until 2019 to move into Allianz Field, although Minnesota supporters will tell you that it was worth the wait.
Located in the suburbs of Saint Paul, rather than downtown Minneapolis, Allianz Field is a state-of-the-art stadium with a host of modern characteristics. Costing $200 million to construct, the Loons’ home ground is undoubtedly one of the best stadiums in MLS.
Interestingly, the Wonderwall – the stadium’s 2,800-capacity safe-standing area – is the steepest grade allowed (34.8 degrees), meaning that supporters feel right on top of the action.
There are certainly bigger stadiums in Major League Soccer, but there aren’t many that are as unique as Allianz Field.
5. Children’s Mercy Park
- Location: Kansas City, Kansas
- Team: Sporting Kansas City
- Capacity: 18,467
It’s fair to say that Sporting Kansas City set the benchmark for MLS stadiums when Children’s Mercy Park opened in 2011.
Ever since the Wizards moved to their new home, teams have dreaded visiting Kansas. The stadium’s roof is designed to prevent fan noise from escaping, leading to one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Major League Soccer.
Thanks to additional seating, SKC registered an average attendance of 20,003 during the 2014 season – the seventh-highest average in the league that year. Since then, the club has consistently averaged over 18,000, with Peter Vermes’ men claiming two Open Cup triumphs in that time.
Blending modern architecture with an unforgettable matchday experience, Children’s Mercy Park must be viewed as one of the top MLS stadiums.
4. Exploria Stadium
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Team: Orlando City
- Capacity: 25,500
Despite being one of the newest and largest Major League Soccer venues, Orlando’s Exploria Stadium still manages to capture the intimacy that every soccer fan craves.
Opened just in time for Orlando City’s inaugural MLS campaign in 2017, Exploria’s vast safe-standing area is arguably the best of its kind in the United States, while the seats were specifically designed to bring you close to the action.
Better still, the stadium is located just a few blocks away from the heart of downtown Orlando, meaning that you get the best of both worlds – the soccer and the city.
And as if that wasn’t enough, you can even see palm trees swaying in the warm Florida breeze all around the stadium. Who wouldn’t want to see that!?
3. Banc of California Stadium
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Team: LAFC
- Capacity: 22,000
When it comes to architecture, LAFC’s home ground might just be the most aesthetically pleasing stadium in Major League Soccer.
With its sloping roof and sleek design, Banc of California Stadium made the Los Angeles landscape even more iconic when it opened in 2018. However, the stadium is equally alluring on the inside.
It could be argued that the 22,000-capacity arena is closer to the field than any of its MLS rivals, making it one of the best places to watch soccer in the United States. On top of that, there are countless private suites, boxes, and rooftop lounges, allowing fans to enjoy the game in luxury.
Los Angeles FC instantly gave their supporters something to cheer about at Banc of California Stadium by winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2019. In fact, the team’s performances drew sell-out crowds throughout the season.
No discussion concerning the best stadiums in MLS can go ahead without the inclusion of LAFC’s modern-day masterpiece.
2. Providence Park
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Team: Portland Timbers
- Capacity: 25,218
Having been opened all the way back in 1926, Providence Park is one of the oldest Major League Soccer stadiums on the map, behind FC Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium (1915) and Chicago Fire’s Soldier Field (1924).
Sure, just about every other venue in the league is a hell of a lot more modern. But Providence Park ranks second among the best MLS stadiums simply for its atmosphere.
I mean, “Timber Joey” – Portland’s mascot – cuts a giant log with a chainsaw every time the Timbers score a goal. If that doesn’t make you want to go and check out Providence Park on matchday, I don’t know what will.
The stadium itself is pretty unconventional, with football and baseball teams calling Providence Park home over the years. But despite its quirks, the Timbers Army has transformed the venue into one of the best experiences in MLS.
Still, one MLS stadium stands out from the rest.
1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Team: Atlanta United
- Capacity: 71,000
If you were walking in downtown Atlanta and you weren’t aware of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you would be forgiven for thinking that a spaceship had just landed in the middle of the city.
Granted, the mammoth 71,000-capacity structure looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. But it is actually the home of Atlanta United.
The Five Stripes share the ground with the Atlanta Falcons. But unlike many of their MLS rivals, the city’s soccer team always attracts NFL-sized crowds. Indeed, Atlanta United posted an average attendance of 52,510 for the 2019 season – over 12,000 more than their nearest challengers.
Not only is Mercedes-Benz Stadium the biggest stadium in Major League Soccer, but it also one of the most modern sporting venues in the entire country.
A 360-degree halo display – the first of its kind – allows fans to follow the action on a 1,075-foot screen, which sits high above the field. Oh, and there’s a 6,700 square foot four-sided display column, too.
Ultimately, fans of American soccer should check out Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the greatest matchday experience in MLS.
